Hallways

7: Three Weeks Later

"Back to New York then?"

Avi's voice caught my attention as I waved goodbye to the last shuttle bus that would be taking teenagers to LAX Airport. My eyes slid to meet his green orbs, seeing a hint of sadness lingering in them. I considered my options: Z would be home this week, her apartment neat and pretty with her new husband moving in and leaving me nowhere to go, or I could go back to my cozy little loft in New York City, situated somewhere between midtown and the theater district. I miss my little apartment more than anything and my voice students have been expecting me back in the city for almost a month now.

"Yeah, that's what it's looking like I'll be doing. My flight is in two days. Gives me time to pack up my bags and say goodbye to Z and Dylan when they get back." I sigh as I cross my arms over my chest, leaning against a brick wall. Avi nodded solemnly, his eyes searching the ground as if they were looking for something for him to say.

"Could I...Um...Could I come visit you? U-uh and by me I mean the whole group." He stumbled, obviously finding the words as they left his mouth. His eyes were frantic and they seemed to hold a certain hope in them, how could this man be so much when I've only known him for four weeks? I chuckled as I placed a hand on his shoulder, calming his insecurities as I nodded my head.

"Of course, you can Avi. I would actually really like that."

His eyes lit up like a puppy's would after chasing a ball and successfully bringing it back to you, "You would?"

"Very much so."

His smile looked triumphant as he straightened his back a little and puffed out his chest. I let a loud laugh leave my lips as I took hold of his arm and began dragging him back towards the dorms. He chuckled deeply as we walked arm in arm with each other. His smile was brighter than the sun and his eyes shined just as bright too. And to think that I could make him feel that way with a simple invitation.

The two days before my journey back to New York were short and bittersweet. LA wouldn't be seeing me for quite some time but hopefully, a little piece of California would be making his way to me soon. As I stood in the airport with Zella and Avi, I began to think back on what a wonderful summer I had experienced. All of the people I have met and influenced, all of the connections I've made and will hold in my heart forever. It all came crashing down on me.

"Is it bad that I don't want to leave?" I asked as I turned to look at my friends. They smiled softly at me and wrapped me in separate hugs.

"I'll visit soon. Tour begins in a month and we will be making a stop in NYC. I'll see you then, I promise." Avi's words were soft and sweet as they hummed deeply in my ear. A small smile pulled at the ends of my lips and I pressed a small kiss to his left cheek as we pulled away. His eyes lit up brightly and I sighed as I looked up at them.

"I'll miss those eyes." I blurted out softly, my own eyes widening at the sound of the words falling from my mouth. He chuckled softly and I couldn't help but blush a deep crimson, the pink painting my cheeks and his own as he leaned forward for one last hug. My arms pulled at him desperately, his own wrapping around my small body and pulling me close to his chest. I could have stayed there, in his arms, forever without any thought of leaving but the intercom system that blurted out my flight number forced the two of us apart. 

I looked to Zella, looking for her to ask me to stay somehow or looking for a reason to stay...Other than the man standing next to me. My feet carried my body to her, and I wrapped her in a deep embrace while I buried my face in my best friend's neck. Her arms pulled me back slowly before reaching out and tucking my hair behind my ears, "It's okay, we can do this. We do this all the time!" The two of us chuckled hysterically, wiping the tears out of our eyes and hugging once more.

"I know but this time feels different, you're married for God's sake!" The exclamation left my mouth and she blushed deeply as Avi chuckled along with my laugh.  Zella's loud laugh followed soon after, only to be interrupted by the intercom once again. I sighed and picked up carry-on, looking at the two and smiling at them once more. 

"I'm gonna cry."

"Don't cry," Avi said plainly as he shook his head sarcastically, I shrugged my shoulders and let out a little giggle, "please don't..." I waved a little goodbye to the two, their hands waving back at me solemnly. 

And back home I went. Leaving my heart with a boy I had only met four weeks prior, and leaving my best friend with her new path in life laid out before her. To say I was confused and upset was an understatement. It took all of my strength not to turn back around and run into their arms one last time, but New York City was calling me and so were my students.